Introduction
Ayurveda is an ancient, holistic form of treatment that originated in Northern India. It has been believed that good health depends on a healthy body, mind, and spirit. It relies heavily on herbal remedies and living a healthy lifestyle, which includes a healthy diet, exercise such as yoga, lifestyle changes, meditation, and detoxification.
Ayurveda usually relies on the five basic elements, which include air, earth, fire, ether (space), and water. All these elements will combine in the body to form life forces called doshas. The three doshas are Vata (ether and air), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth).
It has been believed by the ayurvedic specialists that psoriasis results from unbalanced Vata and Kapha doshas. They think that toxins, stress, and too much of certain foods, like yogurt, seafood, and salty food, can also be blamed. Ayurveda specialists also say that meditation and the practice of Pranayama (a method of controlled breathing techniques) may be beneficial in reducing psoriasis in a person. Panchakarma is, in effect, a program of purification and rejuvenation for the body, mind, and consciousness. As taught by Ayurveda, each human being represents a distinct phenomenon expressed by the five basic (Panchakarma therapy) components: ether, air, fire, water, and earth.
What Ayurvedic Management Options Are Available for Psoriasis?
In Ayurveda, it is regarded as one of the many types of Kushta rog, more precisely, Eka Kushta or Mandal Kushta. Some of the Ayurvedic scholars even co-relate it with Kitibha Kushta. The management of most skin disorders in Ayurveda is the same, with some variations according to the patient's disease and Prakruti (composition). This article gives a generalized viewpoint of ayurvedic management for all types of psoriasis. Treatment may vary from person to person as and when needed.
1) Virechana:
To start with, ensure the patient's GIT (gastrointestinal tract) is cleared of all toxicity. In the case of psoriasis, Virechana is done at the beginning of the treatment to remove toxicity and ensure proper absorption of the drugs, which shall be administered later during therapy. Virechana can be done as Mridu Virechana, Madhya Virechana, or Tikshan Virechana as per the Agni Bala of the patient, which the doctor shall determine.
2) Shaman Chikitsa:
In Shaman Chikitsa, a lot of ayurvedic drugs can be used, ranging from blood purifiers to skin-repairing agents. The doctor determines the drugs and the regime to be followed.
3) Raktamokshan:
Raktamokshan has tremendous results in psoriasis. It can be done every 15 days or as needed. After completing treatment and subsiding the symptoms, the patients need to continue with Raktamokshan every six months.
4) Bala Chikitsa:
Many Bala Chikitsa options are available in Ayurveda, ranging from Rasayanas to food and drugs. The Bala (strength) of the patient is increased after the completion of treatment to avoid future encounters with the disease.
Does Ayurvedic Treatment Work for Psoriasis?
One might consider trying Ayurveda medicine to help manage the psoriasis symptoms since the condition is chronic and thus hard to handle. Ayurvedic treatment involves diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and products or Ayurvedic medications. A few studies claim that psoriasis patients may be treated using ayurvedic treatment, but not many well-designed, comprehensive research studies on its efficacy have been done. Almost everyone can benefit from Ayurvedic practices, such as eating vegetables and drinking lots of water. Others, such as bloodletting, might be dangerous if misused. Therefore, before attempting Ayurveda or any other alternative treatment for psoriasis, please see the doctor.
What Are the Dietary Changes That Should Be Done to Treat Psoriasis?
The foods to avoid to treat psoriasis include:
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High-carbohydrate ingredients.
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Foods with large amounts of sugar.
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Too much sour.
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Too many acidic foods.
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Too much salt.
People taking ayurvedic medicine for psoriasis or any other disease should listen to their bodies by responding to the urges to urinate or defecate, and diet for psoriasis patients helps remove toxins from the body.
What Ayurvedic Treatments Are Used for Psoriasis?
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Diet Changes: Ayurveda believes that consuming green, leafy vegetables and drinking plenty of water will help with psoriasis. Avoid foods and drinks that include alcohol, red meat, spicy food, junk food, and acidic meals.
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Turmeric: In Ayurvedic medicine for psoriasis, this bright yellow-orange spice is used. Many studies show that turmeric has antioxidant properties, which means it preserves cells and reduces inflammation. Turmeric can be taken as a supplement or consumed in foods like curries.
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Araroba Andira: This botanical powder is made from the tree of Andira araroba. Ayurvedic practitioners apply a paste of the powder and vinegar or lemon juice on psoriasis areas.
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Olive Oil: To relieve dryness and irritation, apply olive oil directly to psoriasis areas or mix it into a bath.
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Thistle Milk: Ayurvedic experts claim that this plant improves the immune system and liver function, reducing the symptoms of psoriasis.
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Cayenne Pepper: It also contains capsaicin, which is used in Ayurvedic treatment. Capsaicin applied topically as a cream may block nerve endings that cause pain. It can also reduce the redness, scaling, and inflammation of psoriasis. Use capsaicin products cautiously since they can make your skin burn.
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Aloe Vera: The gel of this plant is used to treat plaques in Ayurvedic medicine. According to some studies, it reduces scaling and irritation.
What Are the Herbs That Can Be Used to Treat Psoriasis in Ayurveda?
The herbs that can be used to treat psoriasis are:
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Aloe vera.
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Garlic.
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Black nightshade.
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Boswellia, or frankincense.
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Neem.
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Guggul.
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Jasmine flower paste.
People should get advice from their doctor before taking ayurvedic psoriasis treatment or including herbs in their regimen. Natural soothing oils, like coconut or olive oils, can be applied in smaller amounts on the scalp, elbows, and plaques to help soften and relieve the symptoms of itching and discomfort from psoriasis.
Conclusion:
Overall, Ayurveda has a huge success rate regarding psoriasis. Ayurvedic specialists have treated many patients suffering from this dreadful disease, and they are leading healthy lives now. Furthermore, according to a study, people who had diets that included vegans, paleo, high-protein, and low-carbohydrate saw improvements in psoriasis symptoms. Therefore, this proves that ayurvedic dietary choices are potentially healthy for people with psoriasis.
